2019 RM-Z250 boasts updated engine, chassis, electronics
Final pricing and availability to be announced – Q1 2019
Suzuki have just revealed the new 2019 RM-Z250 boasting a host of updates from the engine which is set to deliver more power and better throttle response, while chassis updates include to the frame, swingarm, suspension and brakes.
Electronics are also further updated with the latest generation traction management system and Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control, with iconic Suzuki styling plus new rims, ‘bars, seat and tank.
New engine – +5% power
The list of changes starts with a new, more powerful engine. Featuring a newly designed cylinder head with optimised intake and exhaust port tuning, matched to a higher lift intake camshaft achieves an approximate 5% increase in maximum output.
The fuel injection system now features two injectors. Instead of using a single injector that can compromise low-end fuelling in order to supply enough fuel for top-end power, the primary injector delivers precise low-rpm fuelling while a secondary injector at higher rpm provides the extra fuel needed.
Positioning the secondary injector farther away from the combustion chamber also gives the fuel and intake air more time to mix, and cools the mixture prior to entering the combustion chamber. This contributes to improving charging efficiency.
Other updates include a change of the direction of the injector to an upward angle to hit the butterfly valve directly, a system first introduced by Suzuki, assisting atomisation. The outlet tube shape has also been updates to reduce intake resistance and improve charging effeciency.
Fuel pressure has also been increased by 17% over the previous model resulting in improved throttle response, while the exhaust pipe was lengthened by 99mm, with the internal diameter tapering from ø35mm at the cylinder head to ø45mm at the muffler improving output throughout the rpm range, with bottom-end output most improved.
A 30% larger fair filter aperture than the previous model improves intake efficiency and assists in increasing power output at all engine speeds.
Updated Traction Control
& Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control
The updated traction management system is now the fourth generation offering, featuring an updated engine control module (ECM) which automatically adjusts ignition timing and fuel injection based on throttle position, engine speed and gear position and differs from the traction control systems used on road bikes in that it does not monitor rear tire slip.
Because it operates based on programming coded into the ECM, it does not control traction once the tire slips. Instead, it offers constant control that maximizes traction the whole time it is functioning.
Pressing the Control Mode Switch activates Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC), which based on information received from the throttle position and gear position sensors, the system’s ECM judges launch operation and changes the ignition mapping to optimise traction.
Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) optimises ignition timing to help the rider launch quickly from the starting gate to take an early lead. The system offers a selection between two modes or can be turned off, as best suits the track conditions. The A and B-mode settings have both been further evolved for the 2019 RM-Z250.
The system turns off (returning ignition to normal operation) six seconds after launch, when the rider shifts into fourth gear, or when the throttle is closed.
Updated frame and swingarm
For MY19 the frame and swingarm are all new on the RM-Z250, with the aluminium frame spars changing to a hollow square section that does away with an internal rib, shedding 370 grams while increasing torsional rigidity by 10 percent for better stability and bump absorption.
In order to increase the RM-Z250’s agility, the engine position was also pivoted upward at the rear engine mount by 8.5mm measured at the crankshaft centre. The upper engine mount brackets are now aluminium instead of steel, and rather than four brackets suspending the engine from a single location, the 2019 RM-Z250 has four brackets on both sides of the engine. This not only drops another 90 grams, but also increases overall rigidity.
The seat rails were moved closer together and raised to secure adequate air cleaner capacity too. Even so, adjustments to seat thickness avoid raising its height.
Other ergonomic changes include the foot rest positioning being moved 3.3mm forward, 5.2mm upward, and changed handle position -moved 7.4mm forward, 3.8mm downward.
Using a new hydroforming process for the aluminium swingarm permits a tapered crosssection without any welding, making the new assembly just as rigid with thinner walls for a weight loss of 80 grams.
New KYB Coil Spring Fork & updated KYB shock
The new KYB coil spring fork replaces the previous model’s PSF2 air fork. Featuring a design that provides a progressive damping setup offering compliance over small bumps while firming up deeper into the stroke to handle bigger hits such as harsh jump landings.
The upper and lower triple clamp design has also been optimised for rigidity while cutting 60 grams.
Out back, the rear suspension linkage ratio has been changed to firm up short stroke movement while optimising longer suspension action for better traction, and is 14.9 grams lighter.
The fully adjustable KYB shock has an improved range of adjustment, and a spring with thinner but stronger wire (feedback from MotoGP technology) that is 370 grams lighter than before.
Updated brakes
Revisions to the brakes include an updated rear master cylinder, whole the shape of the rear master cylinder also adopts a design that better prevents dirt from getting inside
and the rider’s boot from catching on it.
Larger front brake disc and updated brake pads were also added with a wider outer diameter (250mm to 270mm) for greater braking performance, when combined with the brake pad material which was changed to provide more linear characteristics in
response to the rider’s input.
New Dirtstar wheels & Dunlop Geomax MX33 tyres
New lighter Dirtstar wheels reduce the all-important rotating mass by 40 grams up front, and 60 grams in the rear. For MY19, the RM-Z250 will also be fitted with Dunlop’s latest Geomax MX33 tyre.
Team Suzuki styling
In keeping with the signature design started by the current generation RM-Z450, the 2019 RM-Z250 maintains Suzuki’s “Beak DNA” styling. Intended to convey the brand’s heritage of speed in our off-road bikes, the front fender and radiator shroud are arranged to form a straight line, with the sharp and edgy angles expressing a feeling of dynamic speed.
Like the RM-Z450, the 2019 RM-Z250 is finished in the Team Suzuki off-road colours of yellow with blue accents, making the RM-Z line-up easily recognisable. And the styling is also highly functional, enabling the rider to shift weight forward or backward effortlessly.
Fitted as standard equipment, the top-shelf Renthal aluminium Fatbar offers more strength and less vibration than standard size aluminium handlebars.
A change in shape and hardness optimized helps weight which is reduced by 274g,
making it easy for riders to move and to shift weight, while also maintaining the same seat height as the outgoing model.
The fuel tank is also new and is now a resin item, instead of aluminium, saving 312g. A new chain guide was also added with a revised shape for better durability and saving 30g.
Australian Availability
Target on-sale date in Australia will during the first quarter of 2019, with final specifications and pricing being announced closer to release.
